Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-11
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 10.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 10.
fowderly's long expected report on the
relation OF the knights of Labor to the
Catholic church was gwen out at Minneapo-
lis.
He gives the details of his visit to Cardi
nal Gibbons with Messrs Hayes and O'Reiley.
During the interview which was of long du.
ration Cardinal Gibbons said
after what We have Just learned, the
present condition of the order is to US an un-
mistakable indication that the control of your
organization still rests with the conservative
element and guarantee that there will be no
rash and dangerous departures from these
features of its policy which command for
Dearanee and respect, if not the approval of
the entire country. With prudent leaders
and wise general policy your vast and rap
idly increasing army of wage workers is
destined to exert a tremendous influence in
the social and political affairs of this
country.
1--WE now infer that the objects of the
Knights eff Labor are praiseworrhy and in no
way opposed to the Catholic church. Catho-
lie prelates will declare in favor of the
Catholic church ip America taking the side of
the weaker against the stronger. We really
of the selfish is work worthy of the
noblest and best of our race, and we rec
ognize that it is TO the accomplishment of
that grand object that the order of the
Knights of Labor is bending its every energy
The church is justly watchful against all
secret organizations. There is no need of
secrecy where the ends and methods are jus-
tlfable. Secrecy gives rise TO the presump-
ton that there is something which will not
bear the light of day. The Catholic church
is the most visible to all creation and il in
stinctively guards against secrecy and con-
cealment.
"rhe denial Of the right of the church to
interfere with her children when she fears
their course is dangerous to morals or peril
Gus to the security of society cannot be sus-
taned in any way, either upon Protestant or
Catholic practice. Organization is the basis
Of all progress, political, social and religious.
We condemn the work of Anarcns sts
Like Sampson of old they would fain pull
down the edltice which shelters them even
though they perish in the ruins. Socialis IN
takes definite stand beyond the pale of the
church and announces such an extreme pol
icy that one does not need to hesitate q
moment to reach the conclusion as to its
merits and influence. We express full faith
in the maintenance of friendship between the
church and the order so long as you keep
from affiliations with dangerous associations
and devote yourselves to the fulflment of
your legitimate mission. | entertain the
hope that good counsels will prevail in your
deliberations and that cain, conservative
spirit Will prevail in all your proceedings.
1T is selt-evident that. there should be no
confIct between capital and labor since both
are necessary for the common veal and one
cannot subsist without the other. Experience
has proven that strikes are questionable
remedy for redress of your grievances. Boy.
cottlng lnfringes on the rights of others, and
will therefore never meet with approval from
an observing public"
Mr.. Powderly says there is no reason to
fear that the order an association will fall
sify the good character gwen it by the Amer
lean prince of churches. The organization
is entirely free from the elements of secta.
ran religious discussion and its fundamenl ais
are of a kind to guard it against all disturb
ing influences.
The Knights of Labor assembly convened
early this morning. But little business was
done. as the time was consumed In hearing
the reports and appointing the committees.
The hotel lot bies swarmed with knights
Among the knights there is great satisfaction
at the sentiments presented by Powderly in
his report on the attitude of the order and
the Catholic church.
The liveliest session of the X. of L. as
sembly was held this afternoon. Jas. E.
Quinn of District Assembly 40, New York,
famous ''kicker" and home club man, pre-.
sented the following resolution under sus-
pension of the rules:
Considering that the development of the
human mind in the 10Th century has reached
point expressed almost universally against
capital punishment or the taking of human
life by judicial process, therefore be it
Resolved, That this convention express
sorrow that the men in Chicago were doomed
to death and that it use every endeavor to
secure Communication of the sentence of
death passed upon them.
The resolution was no sooner read than
every delegate in the hall was on his feet.
General Master Workman Powderly decided
the motion out of order. JOS Evans of
Pittsburg appealed from the decision. The
appeal was lost Isl to so Before the ap-
peal was taken Powderly called General
Worthy Foreman Griffiths of Chicago 10 the
chair and in short but vehement speech
called upon the convection to defeat the res
olution. He said no true knight could be an
anarchist. He appealed to the delegates in
impassioned words not to pervert the pur-
poses of the order by the passage of any
such resolutions. 1t was the hottest speech
Powderly was ever known to make Quinn
who offered the resolution voted ave on the
appeal in order to move reconsideration. L.
II. Lswry of Penn, made burning speech
At $50 the convention was IN perfect pan.
demonium, the shouts being heard some dis
tance from the hall. The session closed at 6
o'clock. ALI the delegates are close mouthed
about it.
An expression of opinion on the advisable
ity of labor party was obtained from a
large number of knights today. The result
shows that the general officers are more of a
conservative element Many think the time
is not yet ripe for a separate party, rank and
file. The more radical officers like Thos.
Barry of Michigan are eager for labor par
ty. Powderly is the general choice for
President but only few had any idea that he
would accept. George was mentioned 8
fewer times than was expected. The labor
vote year hence is put all the way from
500, 900 to 100000. Opinion is about even
ly divided as to the effect on old parties of
the heavy labor vote, the idea prevailing that
the democrats will suffer the most